As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is teeming with the country’s best attractions, beautiful green spaces and some of the country's finest natural landscapes. For those on a budget, Auckland can seem like an expensive place; but it doesn’t have to be if you know where to look!
Have a read of our top picks of free things to do in Auckland, so you make the most out of this splendid city without breaking the bank.
Scale A Volcano
Home to over 50 volcanoes of all shapes and sizes, Auckland boasts some of New Zealand’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes. For those that don’t want to venture too far, consider walking to the summit of Mount Eden. This 28,000-year-old dormant volcano has three crowns to explore and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks. At 259 meters high, it is also the city’s highest natural point and rewards visitors with stunning panoramas over Auckland.
For those happy to venture a little further, why not catch the ferry over to Rangitoto Island. A quick 25-minute journey will take you to the site of New Zealand’s youngest volcano, where there is a myriad of trails to discover. The most popular of these is the Summit Trail that leads walkers through the world’s largest pohutukawa forest (also known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree forest) and past an impressive variety of native flora and fauna. Once at the top of the crater, take time to marvel at the views looking back to the city and out across the Hauraki Gulf.
Discover Black Sand Beaches
Nestled between two harbors and two picturesque coastlines, there is a multitude of beaches to be explored in and around Auckland. Whether you are hoping to visit an iconic black sand beach or one with golden bays and crystal clear waters, there will be something for you near Auckland.
The rugged west coast is the best place to go looking for volcanic sandy beaches. There are a number of different beaches to choose from here such as Mission Bay or Takapuna beach, all of which have their perks. If you only have time to visit one, head to Piha, a popular haunt amongst surfers and sunset watchers alike.
For a more traditional beach, take a quick drive out to Tāwharanui or Pakiri beach. With a backdrop of rolling green hills and towering golden dunes, this idyllic coastline is ideal for a spot of swimming, picnicking or simply escaping from the hustle and bustle of Auckland.
Catch A Free Festival
Auckland never goes more than a couple of weeks without putting on a free event, so chances are you might be in time to catch one of the free cultural festivals, live music events or outdoor cinema showings.
Some of the more notable events that are worth trying to coincide your visit with include; the Pasifika Festival held in March, the Auckland Lantern Festival held in February or the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival held in January. During these festivals, the waterfront is transformed into a bustling crowd of proud locals and curious travelers all keen to celebrate New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage.
Every summer, Silo Park becomes host to a temporary outdoor cinema, with a free movie showing every Friday and Saturday evening. Bring a blanket, grab some street food from the market next door and rock up early to secure a prime viewing spot.
Hit The Walking Trails
There are thousands of walking trails hidden in and around Auckland that navigate their way through native forests, dormant volcanoes and coastal paths. If you only have time to complete one of these walks, consider the lengthy Coast to Coast Walk. Encapsulating all of Auckland’s best sites into one 16-kilometer long walk, this is no doubt the best way to see Auckland on foot. Starting from Waitematā, this walk winds through landscapes that have been shaped by 600 years of Māori culture and volcanic activity and finally ends in Manukau.
Don’t miss out on some of the walk’s top sites including; Waitematā harbour with its Edwardian Baroque Architecture; Albert Park, the site of an old Māori Village and, a now barely recognizable volcano and the Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, home to three volcanic craters.
Enjoy A Spot Of Bird Watching
Visiting the gannet colony at Muriwai is considered to be one of the best and most memorable of the many free things to do in Auckland. Home to over one thousand birds from August through to April, this is where pairs of gannets come to nest on the rocky cliff tops. There are two viewing platforms here allowing visitors to get up close and personal to the colony without disturbing the birds’ nesting patterns.
Even if you don’t manage to visit during nesting season, Muriwai’s black sand beaches and rugged seaside cliffs are spectacular and provide a year-round home to the odd seal or two.
Visit Auckland’s Oldest Park
The Domain is one of Auckland’s oldest and arguably most beautiful parks. Comprising of immaculate formal gardens, a majestic variety of trees, quaint waterfall features and plenty of open spaces, visitors can easily while away a day exploring the grounds. Why not take a picnic to enjoy in the park, and spend a relaxing afternoon here. Don’t forget to check out their website for a regular schedule of free music events held in the park.
Hangout At The Waterfront
Known as the City of Sails, a visit to Auckland is not complete without a day spent out on the waterfront. Head to the Wynyard Quarter, one of Auckland’s newest precincts and one of the prime spots for a therapeutic afternoon spent watching boats sail past.
After being closed off for many years, the Wynyard Quarter has been transformed into an eclectic public space. Littered with art sculptures, talented buskers and trendy new bars, it is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day sightseeing.
Take A Free Walking Tour
If it's your first time in Auckland, a walking tour is a great way to orientate yourself and learn a little more about the city. Discover hidden lanes and alleyways, find the best (and the often cheapest) places to eat and learn about the fascinating Māori culture that underpins New Zealand. Run by a local tour guide you will leave with an in-depth knowledge of Auckland that is impossible to get out of any guidebook.
Tours leave twice daily from the meeting point next to Queens Wharf Village at 10 am and 2 pm. They can last up to three hours, so make sure you’re wearing some comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring an umbrella. Should you feel that the tour was particularly good, a small donation at the end is always welcomed.
Get Your Creative Hat On
A visit to Auckland’s art precinct, located in the heart of the city is a must-do activity for creatives and non-creatives alike. Home to several different state-run and independent galleries, spending a whole day here is easy.
The Auckland Art Gallery is the largest of the gallery’s here and is free for the public to enjoy. Featuring over 15,000 pieces of local and international art, this a perfect activity for one of those unexpected rainy afternoons. If you can, try and catch one of the free guided tours of the gallery. Held by friendly and knowledgeable staff, this tour is the best way to get the most out of the museum.
Climb A Lighthouse
Manukau Heads Lighthouse, sitting on the picturesque Awhitu Peninsula, is just a short drive away from Auckland. Having been recently restored to its former glory, it's one of the only lighthouses in New Zealand in which visitors can climb to the top.
With over 140 years of history behind it, you can climb the 120 stairs and retrace the steps of the first light-keeper who lived here. On the way to the top, peruse the fascinating displays and photographs that document the lighthouses’ history. From the top, admire the views out across the Tasman Sea, whilst keeping a lookout for the rare Maui Dolphins that live in the waters around there.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy getting outdoors or learning about a city’s rich cultural heritage it is possible in Auckland for no extra cost. Couple this plethora of free things to do in Auckland with a bustling city center and friendly population and you have yourself an exciting and affordable holiday!